Illinois is one of the most popular states in the country to raise a family. There’s plenty to see and do, from historical sites to premier sporting facilities, plus many of the main attractions are conveniently close to home. So here are our picks for the six best kid-friendly attractions for the family near Glenview.

Kohl Children’s Museum

Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor to Glenview, your first stop for kid-friendly attractions has to be Kohl Children’s Museum located on Patriot Boulevard. Your kids will explore 15 permanent exhibits that are sure to spark their imagination. Early childhood education experts designed several special presentations to engage your kiddos that foster a love of learning. Don’t miss the most popular interactive displays, including:

• Hands-On House.
• Doll Day Care.
• Ravinia Festival Music Makers.
• Spot Hero Car Garage.
• Water Works.

Annual events like the Fall Family Festival are terrific ways to get out and enjoy the season together, while programs like Art Adventures use various mediums like clay, cardboard, and paint to help your children explore their creative talents. Buy your tickets online in advance and save $2 per ticket off the walk-in rate.

Flick Outdoor Pool

“Like a fish…” licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr by kbossey

Pack up the water wings and a bottle of sunscreen and take the family to Flick Outdoor Pool. Located on Glenview Road, this public pool is open to residents during Illinois’ warm summer months. If you’re up for fun in the sun with a splash of excitement, get an all-day pass for $13 per person.

You and your little swimmers will love this premier water park complex’s variety of aquatic amenities, including a lounging area with deck chairs and a grassy spot that’s perfect for spreading a blanket and having a picnic lunch. If you forgot the sandwiches, get a yummy snack from the Garden Grill. Everyone in the family can also take swim lessons here and then make the most of this facility’s water features, including:

• Lap/activity pool.
• Olympic lap pool.
• Splash Blasters play pad.
• Tot Spot.
• Zero depth pool.
• Diving well with 1- and 3-meter diving boards.
• Two giant water flume slides.
• Water Playground.
• Party Place.

The Little Gym of Glenview

Located on Patriot Boulevard, The Little Gym of Glenview is the perfect getaway for your little ones ages 4 months to 12 years. This center offers loads of recreational activities and classes for your children, including the Get Rolling program. It’s the ideal way to channel your busy 3- to 6-year-old’s boundless energy. There are several engaging opportunities to play and gain confidence in their abilities on the mat, beam, or bar.

The staff here take a three-dimensional approach to learning that’s built around a unique, holistic curriculum that challenges students to master physical, emotional, and life skills. If you’re not sure whether The Little Gym is for you, try it out! Get an introductory class for $25 when you register your child online. Classes include:

• A Perfect Start (4 months to 3 years).
• Get Rolling (3 to 6 years).
• A Balanced Approach (6 to 12 years).
• Go Long Sports Prep (3 to 6 years).

Glenview Indoor Ice Center

Glenview Indoor Ice Center on Landwehr Road is a year-round destination for cool recreation and instruction. It offers a variety of youth ice sports, such as figure skating and hockey programs for both boys and girls. You can even enroll in karate classes at the center. New skaters ages 4 to 6 years will start with Snowplow Sam 1 and work their way up to the advanced curriculum, which includes speed, agility, jumps, and spins.

Competitive students can test their skills with the synchronized skating team, or if they prefer to go solo, there are also speed skating events. Whether you want to have fun or learn a new activity, skating is great for people of all ages, so get on the ice. This world-class facility features:

• Two NHL size rinks.
• A studio rink.
• 11 team rooms.
• Dryland training area.
• Pro shop.

Historic Wagner Farm

Spend the day with your kiddos at Historic Wagner Farm. Situated on 18.6 acres off Wagner Road, this delightful interactive center features livestock, crops, and special events. It represents the last remnant of the 1820s Wagner family farm and offers Glenview families the chance to shop at the farmers market, purchase a souvenir at the museum store, and climb inside a two-story silo.

Visit the farm’s Heritage Center to participate in some interactive exhibits, then blow off some steam at the Farm Adventure Area. This dynamic playground features farm-themed climbing equipment like a corn crib and a life-sized cow. It’s free to get into this awesome attraction, and there’s plenty of free parking, too.

Chicago Botanic Garden

A trip to Chicago Botanic Garden is one of our favorite outdoor activities for parents and kids of all ages. This lush green space boasts 27 unique gardens that sprawl across 385 acres on Lake Cook Road. Residents have visited the garden for more than 45 years. It’s a lovely place to explore and is a wonderful example of what a living museum and conservation science center should be.

See what’s in bloom with a walking tour or take a tram. Kids will love smelling the flowers in the raised beds of Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, running across the boardwalk to Spider Island, and standing next to the 45-foot cascade in the Waterfall Garden.

If your family doesn’t have a membership, plan to preregister for a timed entry. Why don’t you consider joining? Your annual support is just $135. That price includes basic membership for two adults and your children, plus parking for two cars and garden value discounts.There you have it! This list covers the six best kid-friendly attractions for the whole family near Glenview, Illinois. Leave it to Crème de la Crème to find all the top spots in the area. Did we miss your favorite local attraction? Contact us and let us know! We’ll be sure to add it to our growing list of awesome destinations for active families like yours.